Savannah/Hilton Head Airport (SAV) with Kids: What Families Will Find

Savannah/Hilton Head International does not list a children's play area on its shops, services or terminal map pages, so plan on bringing your own entertainment. The concourse has power work stations with charging outlets, which helps keep tablets going during a delay. A walk past the shops can also break up the wait: River Street Sweets sits between Gates 5 and 6, and Hilton Head Marketplace, with beach-trip odds and ends, is between Gates 10 and 12. A treat from Leopold's Ice Cream rarely hurts either.

Yes. SAV lists a Nursing Mother's Room on the second level past security, between Gates 10 and 12. The airport describes it as a private, comfortable space for nursing parents, available on a first come, first served basis, so you may need to wait a few minutes if it is in use. SAV does not list what is inside, such as outlets or a sink, so bring a manual pump backup or a charged battery pack if you rely on an electric pump. You can ask at the information desk if you need help finding it.

Savannah/Hilton Head's official site does not mention family or companion restrooms, and it does not publish where its baby changing tables are. What it does say is that accessible restrooms are located in the main terminal, in Savannah Square and after the security checkpoint. If you need a private space for a diaper change or for helping a child of a different gender, ask the staff at the Visitor Information Center in first-level baggage claim, or call the airport at (912) 964-0514 before you travel so you know what to expect.

SAV's site does not list a sensory room. It does take part in the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program: go to the information desk in baggage claim and ask a staff member for a lanyard. The lanyards are free and you do not need to return them, which makes it easy to pick one up on arrival and keep it for the trip home. For help at the checkpoint, TSA Cares can explain what screening will look like if you contact them at least 72 hours before travel at (855) 787-2227.

Savannah/Hilton Head lists a single TSA checkpoint, open from 3:45 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., and notes that checkpoint hours can change. Every gate is behind that one checkpoint. SAV does not publish a family lane. CLEAR has a location before security, and children 12 and under can use the TSA PreCheck lane with an enrolled parent. SAV recommends arriving at least two hours before your flight and two to three hours during busy travel periods, which leaves time for parking, check-in and a calm walk through screening with little ones.

SAV does not mention stroller rental anywhere on its site. It does offer free luggage carts, placed around baggage claim and the parking deck, which can be a big help when you are juggling bags, a car seat bag and a sleepy toddler. Bring your own stroller and check your airline's gate-check rules before you fly, since those are set by each carrier rather than by the airport. SAV also does not offer luggage storage, so plan to keep your gear with you for the whole visit.

Past security, the cluster between Gates 3 and 5 has the easiest kid options: Auntie Anne's pretzels, Burger King, Great American Bagel and Torn Basil Pizzeria. For a sit-down meal, PGA Tour Grill between Gates 9 and 11 serves classic Southern dishes and has a to-go counter alongside. Leopold's Ice Cream, a famous Savannah ice cream shop, has two locations in the terminal, one before and one after security. Starbucks also has two locations, so a morning coffee is never far away for tired parents.

TSA's national rules apply at Savannah/Hilton Head. Formula, breast milk, toddler drinks and baby food, including puree pouches, are allowed in your carry-on in amounts over 3.4 oz (100 ml) and do not need to fit in the quart-sized bag. Tell the officer at the start of screening and take them out of your bag so they can be screened separately. Ice packs and gel packs are allowed too, even without milk, and your child does not need to be travelling with you to carry breast milk.

Yes, if your airline agrees. SAV says to visit your airline's ticket counter on the second level to request a gate pass to accompany a minor to the gate, and that passes are issued at the airline's discretion. Ask early, since you will still need to go through the TSA checkpoint with your ID. If someone is meeting your family on arrival, SAV encourages drivers to use the free cell phone lot rather than waiting at the curb, where only active loading and unloading is allowed.